DIWALI

DIWALI –FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

 What is Diwali?
• Diwali is a Hindu festival which lasts for 5 days.
• It is also celebrated by Sikhs.
• Diwali means “row of lighted lamps” and is often called the
Festival of Lights.
• The festival celebrates good over evil; light over darkness.
• The Goddess of Wealth (Lakshmi) is honoured during Diwali
which is also considered to be the Hindu New Year.
• Because there are many regions in India, Diwali is
celebrated in many different ways (and also all over the
World.)
• Diwali is also used to celebrate a successful harvest.
Diwali or Deepavali, popularly known as the
"festival of lights", is an important five-day festival
in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, celebrated for
different reasons, occurring between mid-October
and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the
most important festivals of the year and is
celebrated in families by performing traditional
activities together in their homes. For Jains, Diwali
marks the attainment of moksha or nirvana.
For Sikhs, Diwali is important because it celebrates
the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru
Hargobind, who also rescued 52 Hindu kings held
captive by Mughal Emperor with him in the Gwalior
Fort in 1619.
The five days long Diwali celebrations is
marked by multi-colored Rangoli designs,
special pooja ceremonies, lines of lamps,
floral decorations, fireworks, exchange
of Diwali Sweets and Diwali Gifts. Every home
- lowly or mighty - the hut of the poor or the
mansion of the rich - shines with the glow of
twinkling diyas or candles to welcome
Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Jewelry is also a big favourite
Many create elaborate designs
(Rangoli)
Another Rangoli example
On Diwali, the story is that a famous Indian God &
King, Rama returned home after 14 years
 But it was a moonless, dark night. Rama
couldn’t see. So the people of Ayodhya, who were
waiting, had an idea
They lit the roads with little lamps to show them the way
home. It was a huge celebration that day. This is Diwali,
the festival of lights.
Small lamps are also lit all around the house called diyas.
This is to make sure that Lakshmi can see the houses and
visit them to bring good fortune to the family.
Cards and small gifts are given out to family and friends.
Hindu’s often make special Diwali sweets called Barfi.
Lakshmi is very important to Hindu’s

They pray that Lakshmi will visit their family and

bring them luck and happiness

Lakshmi holds a lotus flower which represents beauty

The gold coins she has represent bringing wealth to

Hindu’s

Lakshmi has four arms which represent the four goals

in life as taught in the Hinduism faith.
Every year Diwali comes on a moonless night.
The streets are covered with lights.
The Golden Temple
 Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth is
worshipped for a prosperous year ahead.
 The actual day begins with people decorating their
prayer areas at home. They thank God for their
families and pray for a great new year with health,
wealth and good luck
Then, its time to eat.
Coloured mithai (sweets) are everywhere.
People prepare delicious foods in their homes
Diwali symbolises going from darkness to light, the
start of the Hindu New Year and a celebration for
Indians of all religions all over the world.